What you should know about Roots and Refuge

[@ourhomesteadclassroom]

"Passion ignites passion." Oh, my dear Jess, you have no idea how true these words ring for me. I spent so much of my adult life feeling lost, like I just didn't know what I was truly passionate about. Trying one thing after the next and never really finding what I was hoping to feel. Then, one spring, my garden was suddenly taken away from me due to an unexpected health crisis. I spent that spring and summer watching your videos to fill my gardening void. And the passion you shared ignited a passion inside me that I had not previously been able to identify. Since that season, the garden, growing and becoming responsible for my own food, has become my greatest passion in life. All because you chose to allow your passion to ignite mine, and so many others. Thank you, friend! It is because of you that I now know what makes me happiest in this world and where I truly belong. 💚

[@suehill6194]

So beautifully said. That is my experience, as well! ❤️

[@ourhomesteadclassroom]

@@suehill6194 Thank you, Sue! 💚

[@lorenawaller457]

I couldn’t have said it any better, it’s like you literally looked into my soul and said exactly how I too felt about watching and listening to Jess’s words and her passion that just spreads like seeds planted in the ground. Bless you ❣️🤗❣️

[@revonda5204]

Well, said. 😊

[@PrairieDawnC]

Amen.

[@emblarovardotter]

I saw some people have shared their stories in the comments so here I go: I found you at the end of 2019, right before the pandemic. I had just moved home to my grandpa's old house and was looking for information on (ornamental) garden design and stumbled upon one of your amazing garden tours and I were hooked. The reason I moved home was that I got sick, and I have really been relating to your health-struggle the past year. I too have had alot of pain and inflammation going around the body and issues with my immunsystem and digestive track. This space was truly my refuge and you reminded me of the friends and loved ones I had to move away from due to my sickness. It was like hanging out with a friend that I could pause and pace when my head got too dizzy. Your passion ignited my passion and gave me hope in a hopeless time, I could not garden at first because I was so sick but I listened to your advice and got myself sittingspots all around the wild unkempt garden and just sat in the sun and thought about my future plans for the place. In a time where I hardly saw a future and struggled with fatigue and brainfog that made it hard to even fantasize this was incredible. It's been over three years now and I am far from well but alot better and I do have a garden and atleast some energy to spend working in it. I've even been able to work with plants and gardening as official rehab, an interest you fueled and fed and that healed my soul if not my body. Thank you Jess!

[@whitneybrown4670]

I wore my real food comes dirty hoodie last year to baker creek's growers festival during mother's day, and from the smiles and nods and conversations with your fellow followers, it was amazing to find my community of folks. A thousand thank you's for inspiring me to keep growing jess!

[@juliehinkel608]

The beauty of your channel is you make your homestead not only productive and ethical but - pretty. Every build is done RIGHT. Craftsmanship is evident in every building or structure.

[@AbundantAcresHomestead]

My husband started watching you with me and has said he’d like to see more of Miah’s projects. So we’re happy to be supporting his channel now as well 👍

[@maryellenwilson6075]

Miah just started his own KZbin channel ~ I think it's called Miah's Workshop. ❤️

[@debbiec1442]

I'm a long-time viewer and I have never thanked you for the inspiration that you've given me over the years. I have health issues and there's days that it's difficult to get out of bed. After watching one of your videos, I usually find the energy to go out to the garden and am better for it. So, thank you Jess for being you and helping so many people.

[@xbriannaxbananax]

Congrats on the new merch, Jess! Putting out a request: I'd love a toddler size of the Eat Real Food shirt! I think toddlers and kids sizes would be popular for this one, given all the candy junk marketed at kids.

[@brittewater]

I absolutely LOVE how your style has evolved over the last year. I know much of it was driven by your skin issues. Would you be willing to talk about your outfits, sourcing, etc??

[@kristenbeaver6490]

I was wondering this same thing too! I'd love to know as well.

[@tammymurphy2707]

I’m always amazed at how much time has passed since I started following your family. Guess it’s true - time flies when you’re having fun!

[@kariannecrysler640]

Welcome to all the new people!💗✌️ May your gardens always produce & remember no matter how small or big… GROW THINGS🥰

[@jimshirey2293]

Beth here...been following you for quite a few years. I'm in my 60's and your passion definitely ignited my passion again for gardening. I feel like a proud mama watching you and your family grow and thrive! ❤️ God bless.

[@Christine-Mrs.GilliamFarms]

I found your channel a few months, but didn’t realize I have one of your books in my library. Our channel is new and we have less than 500 subscribers @GilliamFarms, but we are so blessed to share this season of our life. Thank you for the inspiration, and love hearing your story of God’s blessings in your life.

[@littlemoosehomestead7725]

If it wasn't for your video I wouldn't have tried to garden, you have given me the knowledge to move forward and be successful. Thank you for all the time you have put into your channel and everything else y'all have done. ❤❤❤

[@patriciasinski6716]

Amazing resources! Feeling like I can maybe call myself a gardener as I begin my fourth year of gardening on my 1/4 acre suburban lot. Setting up a cow panel trellis for the first time trying to make you proud Jess! So blessed to have found you!

[@pamelastreetman7260]

You are such a wonderful example of what families are supposed to be. For that reason and many more I thank God for you.

[@pameladanese6837]

Jess, Your posts make my day, I so look forward to each and everyone. They bring so much knowledge and calm to my life thriving with cancer. 😊 Thank you. And bless you until next time. ❤

[@virginiaallisonpeck2517]

May God bless and heal you.❤🎚🕊🦋

[@julie-annepineau4022]

I feel so blessed to have found this channel a few years ago. You have inspired me, deepened my faith, and helped me dream again. I have achieved dreams I would never have even dared to have before I got inspired here. Thank you Jess. I am so overjoyed at the growth and opportunities you continue to have to spread that inspiration to so many more people.

[@robynearl]

Eeek!! I am SO EXCITED for the merch! My entire wardrobe are mainly your shirts!! I just placed my order and canNOT wait to feel the buttery soft fabric on my body. Love the new logo! EAT REAL FOOD ❤

[@mrsladyhummingbird3229]

Oh this Carolina girl is SO very happy today. I have saved since Christmas so that I could purchase my Jessica tees. And today I put in that B-Unlimited order and when I was done I did my happy dance. I love the feeling of these awesome tees and tanks. Thank you so much Jessica for picking them to supply your merch. I have some of the tanks from last year and a tee long and short sleeved. I adore them. This is my splurge for myself for 2023. Other than my seeds lol. I just love the garden too. It is most definitely my happy place. It is where I go to heal my heart and soul in the soil. I go there when I need to meditate. I go there to sooth my spirit. I go there to talk to God. And I go there to talk to all the plants. Cause I always have. They don't talk back but they grow and show me how to never give up. I thank you so much Jessica for deciding that day to "do this like a job" and for sharing your garden good and bad with us. It has given me and so many others such inspiration. So I am inspired to perspire. IN MY GARDEN!! My favorite place on earth. Keeping you and your sweet family lifted up in my prayers daily. Sandra in southeastern coastal NC

[@Jules1280]

Hi Jess! I love you!! You are so much fun to watch and listen to. You have inspired me to start a garden even though I have an injury I have suffered with since I was in my 20's and am now in my 60's. I watched Miah's video on how he built your raised beds and I am going to have some built for myself that will be a little taller so I won't have to bend too much. Your whole family is such a blessing to me and many others here on YT. Keep being you! Blessings to all!

[@supersfarm]

Peace Jess. We have less than 500 sub loves and I am so overwhelmed with gratefulness when people watch our videos. I know with the audience you have it must truly be a sense of gratitude and responsibility. I have watched your journey for many years now, and you are an excellent motivation and encouragement to the "little guys."💚

[@AmandainGeorgia]

I just subscribed to your channel - you have some amazing looking content and I can’t wait to check it out. Good luck!

[@supersfarm]

@@AmandainGeorgia peace, and welcome to the family! 🙏🏾 We appreciate you!

[@nikkid1038]

Even without running around the farm, ur still captivating to listen to. Can’t wait to hear the podcasts. I’ll def be signing up for Patrion soon. God is good, His love shows in your channel even when ur not directly talking about Him. So happy for you ❤️ good and faithful servant 🙏

[@cindyblank5]

Jess, I get emotional listening to you. Your passion and gratitude come thru your videos. I'm so grateful you share so openly with us. Your real and genuineness in this crazy world brings so much solace and peace to my daily life. Thank you! You are truly one of God's gifts!

[@dudeusmaximus6793]

So glad you are focusing on teaching traditional skills. In my mid-50's and grew up in a rural farm and factory county. Can't tell you how many of them old timers knew things that are long lost, and it's a crying shame because they were self-sufficient and knew all the slick tricks to make it work and make it simpler. We are living in a world now where being self-sufficient and skill may very well save your life in the coming days.

[@barbaralopez7921]

Jessica Actually , I’m always grateful to have come across you years ago. The knowledge that I have now, I can actually let others know. Your dreams have shown me that they can happen. Everything that you are doing in the future is so exciting and I’m seriously looking forward to them. You for sure Inspire me. Girl you have so much going on. 😅

[@heathermckillop4568]

I love that you chat with us like you are chatting with a friend. My passions: homesteading, gardening, cooking, providing nourishing foods can be isolating. I don't always fit it in with normal society and it can get quite lonely! I have heard things like "I don't care" when trying to share my joys. I truly appreciate your content and the connection you develop with your audience!

[@chuckh6852]

You are a very beautiful and inspiring woman with a beautiful family. I've learned a few things from you and others over the last couple of yrs . I'm in my 3rd yr learning in my small backyard garden. Now me and my family are about to move from renting to buying with a little price of land. Thanks for the inspiration

[@heatherpfeil2939]

I love you all! Thank you and Miah and your boys for sharing your lives. You all bring so much joy, peace, light, laughter and fun to others.

[@LoneTraveler-nc6rf]

Kudos to you for implementing a stronger business approach! When your core is strong it allows you to continue to plant many beautiful things!

[@sydneykasmar]

Loving everything at Roots & Refuge and I'm so glad you step into "Bussiness Woman."

[@hannahj4265]

❤ Last year I was looking for tomato tips and found you. Your journey is so inspiring. Love seeing all the growth.

[@VirginiaHale]

I found your channel right after my Husband was killed. Watching you & your family helped me threw a very hard time in my life. So from me to you & yours, Thank you & God bless you & keep you. I watched one episode & had to go back & started at the beginning & I loved them all. ❤😊 Right now I am recovering from from a shattered knee cap. So I am so glad for all the sharing of your journey on your new farm. I wanted to tell you how grateful I am that I found you & your family. It helped me threw such a very dark time. Thank God & thank you. Blessings to you & yours.

[@susanschneider-baker49]

Congratulations on all your content that you're adding to Roots & Refuge Homestead and The Carolina Homestead Exchange. Miah & you have such Blest Hearts of sharing God's Gifts and Blessings that He has bestowed on your family and Homestead. Whenever I have a setback and question God's Plan for our Homestead, I go to Roots & Refuge for Inspiration. It was your chat about first starting out on KZbin that Inspired me to offer my knowledge and accumulated skills processing food for long term storage and to design a 7-part series of weekly seminars for our Local Farmer's Market. At the Introduction seminar, people thought I was selling the Equipment, Supplies and Products that I bought to show them. Oh, the quizzical looks I got for being at a Farmer's Market and encouraging them to buy from others and do this or that with it. Second week went better with more people stopping and listening to my 15-20 minute demo for that week that I kept rewinding for the next listener and answering questions for 3 hours. As the weeks went by many bought their finish product(s) and inspurations to share and very often I just sat back and listened to their conversations and memories of their mothers & grandmothers doing Jelly/Jam/Marmalade Making, Water Bath Canning, Pressure Canning, Rendering Fats, Dehydrating, etc. Many learned that Schmaltz is a real thing, not just a funny word. Anyhow, the long & short of it, I received a call today to come back for this Seasons' Farmer's Market and demonstrate the "Old Fashion Ways that are New, Again". Thank you, for inspiring me to step out of my comfort zone. The world is a better place.

[@Hookedonfaith-akasandramoody]

I have watched your content for many years now, but I rarely comment. You have always been such a lovely, caring and inspiring young lady but I feel like I have watched as you have blossomed into a beautiful (inside &out), wonderful, and amazing butterfly. Continue spreading your wings and flying high. Much love and respect 🙏💛

[@carolpettengill7690]

Seriously the day I stumbled on your video was a totally new beginning for me. Having never grown anything other than a few varieties of flowers, a whole new world was opened up to me. One of my most shared videos from Roots and Refuge is how to build an arched trellis for $30. So thank you for sharing your beautiful life with me and everyone else

[@beth.s.blog13]

I am so very thankful for your heart and the knowledge and blessings you pour out! I have followed you since 2019 when I was living in an apartment and reading homesteading books; and now my husband and I live on 22 acres with chickens, goats, horses, cows, and garden!

[@centraltexashomestead-mike4956]

Hi Jess we love your channel. It motivates us for our channel to teach as many people to grow food and garden. Mike is a retired chef and we love to teach how to preserve the harvest. God bless your family. Rochelle

[@mariannereno-db4db]

Your enthusiasm 🤗 is beautiful on you Jess 💖 You're glowing. 👍👏🏻 You Go business woman!

[@Boringcountrylife]

You are rolling with the talents God has blessed you and are increasing them for Him. Growing the garden is all I can handle while raising kids. I'm glad you have found quality help so you can protect against burnout.

[@robinsnyder3881]

I in Illinois and have been watching you for years. I got my daughter inlaw started watching you a couple years ago. She lives in Kentucky and called me today. She was at a store and ran into someone wearing a Roots and Refuge tee shirt. They starting talking about you and how much they love you. You inspire so many people. ❤

Yay merch!! ❤ I've been enjoying the podcasts too. Nice to listen to while resting in the evenings.

[@simpleandfree4026]

Excited for your new merch. Love your channel and your podcast. You inspire me to keep going. I'm so happy for Miah's new channel.

[@debbiefoster9955]

I have watched your journey from the very beginning...I know if I saw you in person, I would give you a big hug....my husband is used to me watching you... he always asks if I am watching my friend:) I was so disheartened this year...I live in East Palestine. I have gotten past losing my organic gardens and have moved on. I am now container gardening...where there is a will there is a way:) Thank you for being you ....watching and listening to your blogs has helped me to move forward. God Bless

[@reneecandelaria5141]

Jess, I thank God for you every time I find your video in the mornings while I have coffee. I like hearing you talk on all your many diverse topics of living a garden life. Thank you sweet Jess..

[@charswellness]

Love you and so grateful for you too, Jess. Such a blessing. And so happy for you and your family. Can't wait to see how all your dreams unfold. 🙏✨

[@aspenmaewoods]

In a world full of sound, what I desperately want to be is a sound - those words spoke straight to my heart, thank you Jess ❤

[@jilllaingen9430]

Love Devotional & Cookbook!

[@katiebrodeen4241]

My appreciation for you sharing yourself is unfathomable. You have ignited the hope in my heart in so many ways. Thank you Jess so very much ❤

[@RootingForSunshine]

You're such a genuine, lovely soul Jess. Never stop being you! Thank you for all the projects and knowledge you share with us.

[@jandeshon8264]

You are amazing. I so appreciate all your info. I love how you don't let things keep you from trying.

[@corleeashley8016]

You are such a precious lady! Lol! I enjoy your videos so, so much and I look forward to supporting you by wearing your merch!!! You and your family remain in my prayers. ❤

[@rachellogan7212]

Just watched Miah's videos on his channel. Can't wait to see more from him.

[@Fodiehillfarm]

Oh please do a cookbook! Your recipes are awesome! And I would love to have your book on my self ❤

[@SteffiLynn06]

Makayla is such a sweet spirit. I'm so glad to hear this! 🧡

[@gaynachapman5751]

Store bought tomatoes are disappointing! Have a great day 🌻

[@brendabaker3960]

Thank you for making me smile today! ❤🙂😊

[@reneeh59]

Hi Jess! Even though I don't live in your state, I can appreciate what you are doing for your community and small town. I live in South Alabama and would love something like that around here. I have been doing our local farmers market since 2012 and have just recently been made the market manager. We have big plans, and our little town powers-that-be are on board with some exciting changes. I'm hoping to one day to teach people how to can, bake and even sew. Things we need to know how to do. Like you said, it's lost in just one generation. Keep up the great work you are doing. I hope one day to visit your town and see the exciting things going on there.

[@kathymatheny6336]

WOOHOO!!! I could’ve made a tomato shirt for myself but it didn’t seem right. So glad you relaunched it! Getting 2 ❤

[@michelletetreault9428]

Wow! It's amazing what you've accomplished in 2 years! I'm so happy for you, and thank you sooooo much for sharing your life on KZbin, so we can get inspired, learn and grow! I love watching your videos! Your positivity is contagious! Then you again, and God bless you and your family!😊

[@Randomhapiness]

“Passion ignites Passion”, Roots & Refuge Farm Now THAT is a shirt I would wear proudly. It speaks such to the heart of your content and journey.

[@LanaiDebbie]

💕 Your hearts are so beautiful! Your desire to share valuable information with all of us, finding ways to make it accessible and respectful to everyone, while at the same time staying true to yourself and to God! Your passion definitely ignites the passion in my heart. Thank you SO much. Bless you my friend. 🥰🙏🏼

[@Sakina-367]

It is amazing how God has blessed you. I think it is awesome that as you and Sweet Miah steward what you been given you bring along family and friends who share your passion and have gift in themselves to help you to grow. I am inspired as well many other people for sure to garden and even today I am wearing the waiting room to classroom t-shirt. So keep it up we are here for it! So appreciate that you guys are your authentic selves always!❤🎉

[@krussell9995]

I am incredibly grateful you get to do this too! There is always so much encouragement and validation, and I am so happy I came across your channel those few years ago. Maybe it's more than a few, heck I don't know 😄I can't remember how long I was watching your garden tours in Arkansas. I'm so excited for the new merch! I love wearing the shirts and finding fellow R&R family or kindred gardeners.

[@ashleyowens1093]

So excited for you guys! We're starting from scratch and found your channel/podcast at the perfect time.

[@karinroberts5160]

Your such a beautiful person Jess. Thank you for being you. Blessings.

[@brendatinnin8178]

Your words hit home today.

[@royaldame6492]

WOW! Things are moving along for real!!!

[@jonpalmer2766]

Bless you

[@TheLostSoulsInitiative]

The fb group gets me through dark days sometimes ❤ i loooove to see ppls posts and gardens/plants. Love it sooooooo much.

[@ПавлинаЖелева-л6б]

You were a stranger when I "met" you two years ago Now you are a dear friend and you make my world better day after day 💗💗💗

[@barbara798]

It is nice to see you so happy and full energy

[@alysonjones1193]

Jess, you are the best! You are so loved! Thank you so much! 💗🌸💛🌻

[@christipederson8995]

I so enjoy you and have learned so very much! I love to see your smiling face and positive spirit while I am working on a cooking project and watching your channel and I always say "Hi Jess!" because you make me smile! Just thanks for sharing your journey.

[@mariannereno-db4db]

You are appreciated & loved much more than you can imagine💖. You're a down to Earth inspiration. 🙏🫶 You are doing God's work.

[@marygracehoward9137]

I have been waiting for the new merch drop and I'm so excited! Ordered before I finished the video lol.

[@elizabethlehman7375]

I thank God for YOU. You have a way of making me feel like we're best friends and you're talking just to me. Praying blessing over you and your family!

[@Michelle_L1974]

I had to go back and try to pinpoint when I started watching you regularly. June/July 2018! Cattle panel arch trellis and the devotional "I'm so mad right now..." So, so glad to have found you way back when & for getting to go along your journey with you & the family. ❤

[@wanderingearthgardeners]

Oh my gosh! I can't believe it's been 2 years since y'all moved from Arkansas! Your passion for gardening and life is contagious 💜💛💚❤️💙

[@susanlance8179]

Jess everytime I watch your video it is like visiting with a best friend. I truly love and appreciate you and your family. God bless your family Jess❤

[@foragingandurbanfarmingatt4745]

I have watched almost from the beginning. I started watching during a spring from hell in Colorado. And I have watched EVERY SINGLE ONE! SO PROUD OF YOU JESS!

[@charlenehamm]

I love how you share your life in all your social media and truly believe “Passion ignites Passion .”

[@tinamarieburgen]

Finally got me some merch after yrs of watching. Thank you for all you do.

[@debihuntsman9314]

Jess, one of the many things I love about your videos is that you make me feel like you are a friend who genuinely cares. You are authentic and so very inspiring. You make me so excited in my quest to become a gardener. ❤❤

[@marjoriesmithson5924]

God bless you too Jess !!!😊😊😊

[@nickidearick2011]

Started watching in 2018, my beloved grandmother was very sick and I was looking for an escape. You have inspired some of the best decisions I've made in my life since then, I'm genuinely so glad to see how far y'all have come! Keep going, Jess, you are doing the good work.

[@rickeywatson3564]

God Bless You Jess and your channel I love watching you and your family.

[@belieftransformation]

Beautiful, heartfelt chat today; thanks for sharing yourself, your life & your inspiration! I am a grandma in Alberta, Canada, & get inspiration from your words & zest for life! Blessings to all 🤗💜🇨🇦

[@pennybolstad3925]

I love the farm and all the things you teach me it puts a smile in my heart

[@revonda5204]

Thank you, for stepping into what God led you to and sharing it with love. Your love of gardening, of your viewers and for our Lord exudes from you. Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@sarahglines403]

Jess I adore your passion for all of the things you talk about ❤ and I cannot wait to actually MEET you at the Homesteading Festival and thank you in person for all the inspiration and encouragement you have given me!

[@ktd3166]

YAY! See you on Sunday!

[@takeitslowhomestead5218]

Thanks for all the good you do. (Remember to breathe and pause to look around.🌹)

[@sherreehartwig4600]

I just bought your second book. Now I have both. We bought 5 acres 6 months ago. It has a fenced garden. I'm excited to plant in the ground this year. I look forward to spring this year.

[@Our.happy.homestead]

The podcast is finally releasing on time on Apple! So excited to have it ready and waiting for me this morning!

[@donnaingle391]

Thank you for your educational kindness!

[@kiamcmillin256]

Went through the list! All done! Thanks soo much Jess got helping me fall in love with gardening. I’m a happy gardener looking forward to a life like yours. All in due time 😊

[@carricowherd3826]

When I told my husband that you wrote books, he told me to get them. So I ordered your first book and recieved it last week. Bravo! I've only had time to flip through it so far but it's beautifully done. I can't wait for a rainy day to sit with some coffee and read it. I'm kinda bummed that I have to leave town this weekend and will miss you at baker creek. Hopefully you will be close by again soon.

[@karionhawkins3091]

Love love your use of words , thank you for brightening my world❤

[@firstcreekfarmsc5609]

God bless you Jess and your family!!

[@sherriallen7095]

I am so excited for your store to open so I can stop in when we visit my in-laws, who live about 23 minutes away! Miah's new channel is great; I've subscribed and look forward to seeing what else he's up to. Thank you for all the education and inspiration.